TRC’s mental health programs to hold open houses
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Passages Program Gateways Program |
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Millions of Americans, and thousands in Chautauqua County, are challenged by some sort of mental illness or mental health condition. And while there are different treatment options depending on the complexity of each case, New York State has developed a strategy that allows providers to integrate several programs into one comprehensive service.
Under the guidance of the state Office of Mental Health, TRC’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services’ “Passages” Program in Jamestown and “Gateways” Program in Dunkirk, have transitioned from a Continuing Day Treatment (CDT) model to what’s called Personalized Recovery Oriented Services, or PROS.
PROS is defined as a comprehensive program for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. The goal is to integrate treatment, support and rehabilitation in a manner that facilitates one’s recovery. Some main focuses of the program are to help participants improve functioning, reduce inpatient utilization, reduce emergency services, reduce contact with the criminal justice system, increase employment, attain higher levels of education, and secure preferred housing.
“The state of New York no longer saw CDT as an effective form of treatment,” said Michelle Williams, TRC’s Director of Mental Health Services. “The State realized, through years of pressure from advocacy groups, there was no change in recovery rates.”
“Continuing Day Treatment consisted of a gamut of different services all under one system, whether the patient needed them or not,” said Cynthia Neu, Program Manager for Passages. “It’s like putting a square peg in a round hole.”
Kristy Lauer, Program Manager for Gateways, added, “The old system was very program run and not individual based” like the PROS system.
“PROS takes a very holistic approach to recovery based on an individual’s unique situation and goal,” Michelle said.
With close to 200 enrolled in PROS between Jamestown and Dunkirk, a lot of changes had to be made for an effective and seamless transition away from the Continuing Day Treatment model.
“There were environmental changes, staff changes, and policy and procedure changes,” said Michelle. “There were focus groups. We had to redo everything.”
“There have been a lot of renovations over the last six months,” said Cynthia. “Wood tables and comfortable chairs, a lot of changes to the building.”
“We’ve added group rooms in Dunkirk,” said Kristy. “The building doesn’t have that institutional feeling.”
PROS is composed of four main components:
Community Rehabilitation and Support –The idea is to help an individual manage his/her illness and restore the life skills necessary to live successfully in the community. Individuals also attend group therapy sessions.
Intensive Rehabilitation – The goal is to help an individual zero in toward a specific goal in an area like education or employment and help reduce the risk of hospitalization or involvement in criminal activity.
Ongoing Rehabilitation and Support – The here is to help an individual manage his/her symptoms in a competitive workplace. The program will assist an individual in overcoming any barriers at work, creating a more positive environment and keeping a positive attitude.
Clinical Treatment – The goal is to assist an individual in controlling his/her symptoms through medication, health assessments, counseling, and therapy. This is treatment focused, which may include the need to see a psychiatrist, based on an individual’s specific need.
“It is quality care for the recipients, a program that is second to none,” said Michelle. “It is the most innovative approach to care.”
“It opens up doors for opportunity,” said Cynthia. “It shows the success of those we serve, as opposed to the success of the program. It betters the community.”
“With this program, people feel more in control of their recovery and life,” added Kristy.
Despite the initial excitement and positive outlook over the program, it is not without its challenges.
“There are a few barriers we’re going to face in a rural community,” said Michelle. “Transportation is one, and educating all the service providers as to what we do will be another. I also want people to understand we are licensed by the NYS Office of Mental Health, which qualifies us to serve those with severe or persistent mental illness.”
“This is an exciting and yet challenging change for the mental health community. We will be the only comprehensive PROS provider in the County,” said Michelle. “It’s been an exhilarating process of development between all of the members involved. We thank everyone who has assisted us in this extensive transition. We look forward to providing a more holistic and person-centered delivery of care focused on overcoming barriers to successful mental health recovery.”